White Man Successfully Sings The Blues...Deacon Blue doing "Fergus Sings The Blues" in 2023

"Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" by THOM BELL [Various Artists] - Featuring The Delfonics, The Chargers, Spinners, Eloise Laws, The Stylistics, Ronnie Dyson, Elton John, New York City, Deniece Williams, Lou Rawls, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, Jerry Butler and more (May 2024 UK Ace/Kent Soul CD Compilation of Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Everything He Does Seems To Come Out Right..."

"Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound Of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" is entry number two in Ace's compilation appraisals of Philadelphia Sound legend THOM BELL (the first was "Ready Or Not..." in 2020, see CD list below) - a hugely influential and commercially successful Soul and R&B Producer and Songwriter.

In his sweet-thang travels, Bell roped in the talents of other hip arranger-names like Tony Randazzo and Burt Bacharach and along with songwriters like Linda Creed, Deniece Williams, Norman Harris, Kenneth Gamble and others - Bell poured on the lush strings, subtle horn charts, plaintive oboes and tinkling chimes - matching them with expressive singers and lurve lyrics. The results across 20-songs and almost eighty-minutes playing time is a lovely listen that only ever slightly falters in a few places. Mostly, you're whomped with a wall of classy tunes presented in that Philly Sound way. To the kissin' details...

UK released Friday, 31 May 2024 - "Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound Of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" by THOM BELL (through Various Artists) on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDTOP 522 (Barcode 029667110624) is a 20-Track CD compilation of Remasters that plays out as follows (79:47 minutes, all tracks US 45s unless otherwise stated):

1. Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time) - THE DELFONICS (December 1969, Philly Groove 161, A-side)

2. You Gotta Be A Lady - THE CHARGERS (December 1971, Vanguard VRS 35146, A-side)

3. The Rubberband Man - SPINNERS (August 1976, Atlantic 45-3355, A-side)

4. Got You Into My Life - ELOISE LAWS (from the 1980 US-LP "Eloise Laws" on Liberty Records LT-1063)

5. You Are Everything - THE STYLISTICS (October 1971, Avco AV-4581, A-side)

6. Give In To Love - RONNIE DYSON (from the 1973 US LP "One Man Band" on Columbia Records KC 32211 - CBS Records S 65551 in the UK)

7. Nice And Slow - ELTON JOHN (from the 1989 US LP "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions" on MCA Records MCA-39115)

8. Take My Hand - NEW YORK CITY (October 1975, Chelsea CH 3031, A-side)

9. Silly - DENIECE WILLIAMS (July 1981, ARC Records 18-02406, A-side - November 1981 UK on CBS Records A1535)

10. Then You Came - DIONNE WARWICKE & SPINNERS (July 1974 as Atlantic 45-3029 - re-released August 1974 as Atlantic 45-3202, A-side)

11. Will You Kiss Me One More Time - LOU RAWLS (June 1982, Epic 14-02999, A)

12. Lazy Susan - LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS (from the 1973 US LP "On A New Street" on Avco AV-11012-598)

13. Betcha By Golly, Wow - THE STYLISTICS featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. (February 1972, Avco AV-4591, A-side)

14. Joe - NANCY WILSON (from the 1970 US LP "Now I'm A Woman" on Capitol ST-451 in Stereo)

15. Loving You-Losing You - JOHNNY MATHIS (February 1977, Columbia 3-10496, A-side)

16. Walking Around In Teardrops - JERRY BUTLER (from the 1969 US LP "Ice On Ice"on Mercury SR-61234 in Stereo)

17. Nobody Knows It - BELL & JAMES [LeRoy Bell and Casey James] (from the 1979 US LP "Only Make Believe" on A&M Records SP-4784)

18. Let Somebody Love Me - PHYLLIS HYMAN (from the 1983 US LP "Goddess Of Love" on Arista AL 9619)

19. One In A Million (Guy) - DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER (from the 1980 US LP "Dee Dee Bridgewater" on Elektra 6E-306)

20. Brandy - THE O'JAYS (August 1978, Philadelphia International ZS8 3652, A-side)

The 16-page colour booklet offers liner notes from BOB STANLEY that includes a 2020 interview with THOM BELL. Each artist and song are discussed in detail, the single label repros and LP covers displayed on the left and right of the text along with other memorabilia like sheet music and trade paper adverts (there's a lovely photo of Bell smiling beside Dionne Warwicke as side-by-side heroes grace the front cover of the 'Blues & Soul' magazine - yours at the time for the princely sum of one dollar or 30 new pence UK). It's the usual classy affair from Ace - and the fantastic audio from long-standing Audio Engineer DUNCAN COWELL only sweetens a very cool listen. To the chunes...

The CD opens with an acknowledged classic of the Philly genre - "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" by The Delfonics lending the compilation its recognisable title. Not so sure The Chargers (from 1971) would pass much muster with 2024 women by singing their "You Gotta Be A Lady" - more likely to get cancelled for an opinion way too outdated. The Spinners (known at The Detroit Spinners in the UK) do their thing - lyrics from "The Rubberband Man" titling this review. The Disco-Soul-Funk of "Got You Into My Life" has Eloise Laws milking that Philly Disco rhythm for all its worth - a relentlessly upbeat dancer. But if I'm honest I prefer the swoon of The Stylistics - such memories of that girl that whomped your senses - their "You Are Everything" being one of those 'each face that I see brings back memories of being with you' songs - the Remaster may be a teeny bit hissy in places, but for 1971 Avco Soul it's pretty much definitive. This is followed by another slice of 'lurve' gorgeousness with Ronnie Dyson wrenching emotion out of every line in the string-laden "Give In To Love" - the Ronster asking his gal to have faith (sweet Remastered audio).  

There's an unfortunate repetitiveness to Elton John's "Nice And Slow" - better is the Bop Soul of "Take My Hand" - a great Remaster giving New York City's moment a quietly luscious oomph - ex Five Satins, Cadillacs and Moonglows members giving their vocals fabulous expressiveness. Deniece Williams puts in a sweetly delicate vocal on the clear-as-a-bell "Silly" - a plea for love to stop making her do foolish things - a deserved No. 11 Billboard R&B chart placing (check out those staggeringly skilful arrangements). Genius is what you would call the pairing of Dionne Warwick with the perfect-match of lead vocalist Philippe Wynne of The Stylistics where he shadows her powerhouse voice rather than outdo the lady - like a match to Diana Ross and Marvin at their duet best. 

But while I normally can't get enough of the cavernous vocals of Lou Rawls, his "Will You Kiss Me One More Time" is too cheesy by far – and Little Anthony with his Imperials sound uncomfortable with the song and themes of "Lazy Susan". Better by a long oar is a tasty twosome from The Stylistics doing the lovely Prince-covered "Betcha By Golly, Wow" followed by a breathy Nancy Wilson doing a classy number on "Joe" - a man she pleads with the public to find saspo. Chasing that Disco dollar, one-time crooner and LGBTQ-icon Johnny Mathis makes a good fist of the ache in "Loving You, Losing You". Another huge persona in the history of Soul, Jerry Butler blasts your speakers with primo 1969 Soul lushness – his typically dramatic delivery in "Walking Around In Teardrops" making you feel like the man might die any second now. Clever follow and comp genius-choice comes with the 1979 uber-smooch of "Nobody Knows It" from Bell & James (ex-Special Blend songwriters LeRoy Bell and Casey James). From the second of three albums "Only Make Believe" - this is surely the discovery on this CD for fans like me – a beautifully produced winner. "Nobody Knows It" by Bell & James is a Ronn Mattlock "Love City" moment for me (check out that stunning album also from 1979 on Atlantic Records reissued on CD by Rhino).

The compilation romps home with a pleasing trio – Eighties times two with Phyliss Hyman and Dee Dee Bridgewater – but culminates with bona fide class from The O'Jays and their fabulous "Brandy" – the kind of emotive memory-jogging Seventies Soul that me reaching for the tissue box – "...played a few bars of a melody and it sounded so sweet to me..." indeed.

"Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" by Thom Bell comes close to perfect, but I personally could have done without some of those 80ts cheesy offerings (so four stars). But make no mistake, if you ever wanted proof of Philly Sound classiness and what a warm-sounding legacy Thom Bell has left us – then look no further my Afro Lovers than this. Gotta shimmy in babycakes…my lurve can't wait (oh dear)…

Other THOM BELL CD Compilations from Ace Records/Kent Soul of the UK

And Philly Soul Sound recommendations (all reviewed):

1. Thom Bell - "Ready Or Not: Philly Soul Arrangements & Productions 1965-1978" 

UK released 25 June 2020, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 488 (Barcode 029667098021)

2. Various Artists - "Nothing But A House Party: The Birth Of The Philly Sound 1967-1971"

UK released 26 May 2017, Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 466 (Barcode 029667083829)

3. Various Artists - "Psychedelic Soul Produced by Norman Whitfield" 

UK released 27 August 2021, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 504 (Barcode 029667103121)

4. Earl Young - "Groove Machine: The Earl Young Drum Sessions"

UK released 24 February 2024, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 1629 (Barcode 029667109925)

"Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" by VARIOUS ARTISTS - Featuring Elton John, Queen, Mud, Suzi Quatro, Sparks, T.Rex, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Slade, Mott The Hoople, Alice Cooper, Mungo Jerry, Cozy Powell, The Rubettes, Gary Shearston, Jim Stafford, Roberta Flack, Barry White, The Stylistics, The Tymes, Bryan Ferry, David Essex, Roy Wood, Clifford T. Ward, Lobo, Bay City Rollers, Commodores, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, MFSB, The Intruders, Prelude, Maria Muldaur, Faces, Love Unlimited Orchestra and many more (June 2024 UK Sony Music/EMI 3CD 64-Track Remastered Compilation in a Trifold Card Sleeve - No Booklet) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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PICK UP THE PIECES - 1974

Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional 

CD Reissues and Remasters 

Classic Albums, Compilations, 45's...

All In-Depth Reviews From The Discs Themselves

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RATING:

Content: ***

Audio: ****

Presentation: ***

"...Judy Teen..."

The 'Now Yearbook' Series of Compilations from Sony Music and EMI has touched on three for the Seventies - '1979' in September 2022, '1978' in April 2023 and '1973' in September and October 2023. Each has the same MO - a 4CD 'Now Yearbook' and a 3CD follow-up called 'Extra'. 

Here in May and June 2024 we get a fourth - '1974' - a 4CD Main with Hardback Book and Standard Card Sleeve Editions and a Truncated 3LP GREEN VINYL Set (all released 3 May 2024) - and now this - a 3CD Extra companion compilation released 7 June 2024 with 64 more songs to accompany the 82 featured on the 4CD Main (see list below for catalogue number/barcode details).

As with all these cheap and cheerful releases - they concentrate on a mix of Pop and Rock on one disc while Soul and R 'n' B will dominate another with Discs 3 and 4 mixing it up with everything from Easy Listening to Glam to Country to Teenybopper Pop. Some songs were issued late 1973 but only charted in 1974. The problem with charts in the Seventies (especially in the early years) is that genius abutted crud on a weekly basis and that's what you get here. But compilers would argue that one man's Trabant is another man's Tesla - so we put the kitchen sink in and let the listener sort out the dirty dishes from the sparkling China. 

And so it is with the Extra set for '1974' - great 45-single mix memories and reminders (album versions are noted) - re-discoveries that delight – awful stuff you hoped you had forgotten abutting saccharine cringes a-go-go - spiffing audio throughout despite the fact that only four give actual dates for the Remasters - and the bolshy brute is cheap too - roughly nine-quid for a 3CD set chocker with 64 songs.

Let's get to the Judy Teens, the Long Legged Women Dressed In Black, the Liverpool Lou's, The Bangin' Men and the Little Trustmakers floating on the Seven Seas of Rhye whilst always remembering you are a Womble. To the details...

UK released 7 June 2024 - "Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBENOW74 - 0196588903021 (Barcode 196588903021) is a 3CD Companion Compilation to the 4CD set 'Now Yearbook '74' issued May 2024 and plays out as follows:

CD1 (76:44 minutes):

1. Seven Seas Of Rhye - QUEEN (February 1974 UK 45-Single on EMI Records EMI 2121, A - 2011 Remaster)

2. The Bitch Is Back - ELTON JOHN (August 1974, DJM Records DJS 322, A - 2017 Remaster)

3. The Wild One (Single Version) - SUZI QUATRO (November 1974, RAK Records RAK 185, A)

4. Rocket - MUD (July 1974, RAK Records RAK 178, A)

5. The Bangin' Man - SLADE (June 1974, Polydor 2058 492 A - Non-LP Single on Release)

6. The Golden Age Of Rock 'N' Roll - MOTT THE HOOPLE (March 1974, CBS Records S CBS 2177, A – featuring Ian Hunter)

7. Forever - ROY WOOD (November 1973, Harvest HAR 5078, A)

8. Teenage Lament '74 – ALICE COOPER (January 1974, Warner Brothers K 16345, A)

9. Spiders And Snakes – JIM STAFFORD (March 1974, MGM 2006 374 – was issued September 1973 in the USA)

10. You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything – FACES (November 1974, Warner Brothers K 16494, A – 2010 Remaster) 

11. Break The Rules – STATUS QUO (April 1974, Vertigo 6059 101, A)

12. Na Na Na – COZY POWELL (July 1974, RAK Records RAK 180, A)

13, Long Legged Woman Dressed In Black – MUNGO JERRY (March 1974, Dawn Records DNS 1061, A)

14. The Night Chicago Died (Album Version) – PAPER LACE (from the July 1974 UK LP "…And Other Bits Of Material" on Bus Stop Records BUSLP 8001)

15. Light Of Love – T.REX (July 1974, T.Rex MARC 8, A)

16. America – DAVID ESSEX (April 1974, CBS Records S CBS 2176, A)

17. Judy Teen – COCKNEY REBEL (March 1974, EMI Records EMI 2128, A – featuring Steve Harley)

18. Red Dress – ALVIN STARDUST (April 1974, Magnet MAG 8, A)

19. Tonight – THE RUBETTES (July 1974, Polydor 2058 499, A)

20. All Of Me Loves All Of You – BAY CITY ROLLERS (October 1974, Bell Records BELL 1382, A)

21. I Get A Kick Out Of You – GARY SHEARSTON (September 1974, Charisma CB 234, A)

22. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – BRYAN FERRY (August 1974, Island WIP 6205, A – 1999 Remaster)

CD2 (67:52 minutes):

1. Love's Theme – THE LOVE UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA (January 1974 Debut 45, Pye International 7N 25635, A-side - US Debut Single was October 1973 on 20th Century Records TC-2069)

2. TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia) – MFSB featuring THE THREE DEGREES (March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2139, A – a Leon Huff and Kenneth Gamble song)

3. Satisfaction Guaranteed (Or Take Your Love Back) – HAROLD MELVIN and THE BLUE NOTES (March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2187, A – a Leon Huff and Kenneth Gamble song)

4. You Little Trustmaker – THE TYMES (August 1974, RCA Victor RCA 2546, A)

5. Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) – DIANA ROSS and MARVIN GAYE (June 1974, Tamla Motown TMG 906, A)

6. Then Came You - DIONNE WARWICK and THE SPINNERS (September 1974, Atlantic K 10495, A – a Thom Bell Production)

7. Down On The Beach Tonight – THE DRIFTERS (September 1974, Bell Records BELL 1381, A)

8. Rockin' Roll Baby – THE STYLISTICS (December 1973, Avco 6105 026, A)

9. I've Got The Music In Me – THE KIKI DEE BAND (July 1974, Pig Records PIG 12, A)

10. Queen Of Clubs – KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND (August 1974, Jay Boy Records BOY 88, A)

11. Machine Gun – COMMODORES (June 1974, Tamla Motown TMG 972, A)

12. There's A Ghost In My House – R. DEAN TAYLOR (May 1974, Tamla Motown TMG 876, A – originally issued 1966)

13. Everlasting Love – ROBERT KNIGHT (February 1974, Monument S MNT 2106, A – originally a 1967 hit)

14. Guilty – THE PEARLS (May 1974, Bell Records BELL 1352, A)

15. Year Of Decision – THE THREE DEGREES (March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2073, A – a Gamble and Huff song)

16. I'll Always Love My Mama (Part 1) – THE INTRUDERS (March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2149, A – originally issued June 1973 in the UK on Epic S EPC 1623 also with (Part 2) on the B-side)

17. Midnight At The Oasis – MARIA MULDAUR (June 1974, Reprise K 14331, A)

18. Be Thankful For What You Got (Part 1) – WILLIAM DeVAUGHN (May 1974, Chelsea 2005 002, A)

19. Feel Like Making Love - ROBERTA FLACK (June 1974, Atlantic K 10467, A)

20. Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up (Single Version) – BARRY WHITE (January 1974, Pye International 7N 25633, A)

CD3 (70:18 minutes):

1. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (Edit) – ELTON JOHN (November 1974, DJM Records DJS 340, A – a Beatles cover)

2. Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth – SPARKS (October 1974, Island WIP 6211, A – a Ron Mael song)

3. Hooked On A Feeling – BLUE SWEDE (March 1974, EMI Records EMI 2149 A, featuring BJORN SKIFS)

4. Remember You're A Womble – THE WOMBLES (March 1974, CBS Records S CBS 2241, A – a Mike Batt song)

5. Remember – BAY CITY ROLLERS (January 1974, Bell Records BELL 1338, A)

6. One Man Band – LEO SAYER (May 1974, Chrysalis CHS 2045, A)

7. Liverpool Lou (Single Version) – SCAFFOLD (May 1974, Warner Brothers K 16400, A)

8. I Get A Little Sentimental Over You – THE NEW SEEKERS (March 1974, Polydor 2058 439, A)

9. Laughter In The Rain – NEIL SEDAKA (June 1975, Polydor 2058 494, A)

10. After The Goldrush – PRELUDE (November 1973, Dawn DNS 1052, A)

11. Scullery – CLIFFORD T. WARD (November 1973, Charisma CB 221, A)

12. If You Go Away – TERRY JACKS (June 1974, Bell Records BELL 1362, A)

13. I'd Love You To Want Me – LOBO (May 1974, UK Records UK R 68, A)

14. Let's Put It All Together – THE SPINNERS (October 1974, Avco 6105 032, A)

15. All Of My Life (Album Version) – DIANA ROSS (November 1973, Tamla Motown TMG 880, A)

16. Behind Closed Doors – CHARLIE RICH (June 1973, Epic S EPC 1539, A)

17. My Boy – ELVIS PRESLEY (January 1975, RCA Victor PB-10191, A)

18. Solitaire – ANDY WILLIAMS (October 1973, CBS Records S CBS 1824, A)

19. Don't Stay Away Too Long – PETERS & LEE (April 1974, Phillips 6006 388, A)

20. Long Live Love – OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (March 1974, Pye International 7N 25638, A)

21. Y Viva Espana – SYLVIA (January 1974, Sonet SON 2037, A)

22. Galloping Home – THE LONDON STRING CHORALE (September 1972, Polydor 2058 270, A – charted 1974)

There is no liner notes nor booklet with the Tri-Gatefold Card Sleeve, just track by track credits without any real info including chart positions. The Audio however is uniformly fab throughout with only the Scaffold cut sounding odd to me but I think that is the way it was recording. To the music…

CD1 opens with a great run from Queen, Elton John, Quatro, Mud, Slade and Mott The Hoople. The opening very Nazareth slide guitar of the Slade track is punchy and full of clarity. Roy Wood (of The Move and Wizzard) and Jim Stafford please too with their happy-go-lucky tunes. 'even take the dog for a walk, mend a fuse, fold away the ironing board, or any other domestic short comings' was the witty brackets subtitle for the Faces 1974 final original song throw of the 45-single dice - "You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything". Rod Stewart was already a bona-fide Seventies Superstar (like Elton) by 1973 when he left the Faces but it’s this kind of good time jaunt that shows why people loved him and his former band so much. A low-down lady with a honky tonk car seduces the helpless lads of Status Quo on the pleasing guitar and harmonica boogie of "Break The Rules". The man with the physical hammer – drummer Cozy Powell – packs a rebellious punch on the far-better-than-you-remember-it "Na Na Na" – another RAK Records anthem gifted to Powell by John Cameron who had close associations with a RAK band I loved - C.C.S. (with Alexis Korner). The cod Rock and Roll continues with the fun Mungo Jerry tune "Long Legged Woman In Black" – another gal not prepared to put out for Ray Dorset. 

Some have claimed that the Paper Lace song "The Night Chicago Died" is a re-recording but I don’t think so – it’s just the Album Version which differed from the Single Mix. Unfortunately, the long run of T.Rex moments of greatness was clearly coming to an end with "The Light Of Love" while amazingly clear audio will greet David Essex fans for the echoed menace of the cleverly arranged "America". Can never get me enough Cockney Rebel and I remember absolutely everyone discovering Steve Harley and his smarmy acidic that year with the brilliant "Judy Teen" – a song that manages to be both sweetness personified and razor blade at the same time (clean audio too). Alvin Stardust did well with the weirdly irritating "Red Dress" – the kind of Pop fodder that regularly topped the charts then while The Rubettes and the Bay City Rollers bring me out in hives. CD1 ends though on two clever nostalgia winners – Gary Shearston giving Charisma Records a rare chart entry with his take on the Cole Porter drug-addled oldie "I Get A Kick Out Of You" and Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music carving out a solo career with his take on the Jerome Kern songbook classic "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".

CD2 goes Soul big time (mostly). Opening with Barry White's band The Love Unlimited Orchestra - "Love's Theme" sets the lush dancefloor scene (BW also gets the last song on the disc). Folks get down with the Soul Train as MFSB, Harold Melvin and The Three Degrees stamp that Philadelphia International sound on our consciousness (we still haven't recovered, nor do we want too). But I have to say that I loved rediscovering "You Little Trustmaker" by The Tymes – the kind of doobie-doobie bopper that just lifts the spirits like only US Soul Music can. Diana Ross got the lead name on the label (of course) but it is the glory of Marvin Gaye that you remember – their duet remake of "Stop, Look And Listen (To You Heart)" (a hit The Stylistics had in March 1971 in the USA) slinking out your speakers (the Ross/Gaye single was a UK-only release). Another excellent duet "Then Came You", offers the forgotten lone hook-up of Dionne Warwick with The Spinners – gorgeous Seventies Soul. The Drifters tune is too cheesy for my taste, but The Stylistics show why they were such hitmakers in those years - "Rockin' Roll Baby" as catchy as it gets. But then we get a true winner – Kiki Dee getting Rock-Funky with her fantastic "I've Got The Music In Me" – an Elton John and Band production that includes great string and brass arrangements too courtesy of Richard Hewson. And the Audio is clearly the EMI Remaster of about 2005 even if it doesn't say so (what a belter of a vocalist she was). 

Skip the decidedly unimpressive KC & The Sunshine Band offering and go directly to the genius of the Commodores doing the Clavinet and Synth Funky instrumental "Machine Gun" – a monster back in the day in the clubs and used ever since in countless movies when an Afro shows up (banging audio too). Two 60ts tunes follow that were reissued to more success in 1974 - more skipping for me unfortunately with R. Dean Taylor on Motown (a 1966 song originally) – better the August 1967 Northern Soul gem "Everlasting Love" by Robert Knight – the kind of perennial that never seems to date (issued once again on Monument Records). Completely forgotten goes to the pretty "Guilty" by The Pearls – the man stole her heart and needs to pay for his sins. The Three Degrees were hugely popular, and you can hear why with "Year Of Decision" – another catchy Gamble & Huff song on Philly. Skipping The Intruders, we are hit with three top-audio total winners that still sound amazingly current - "Midnight At The Oasis" by Maria Muldaur, "Be Thankful For You Got" by William DeVaughn (I am indeed 'diggin' the scene with a gangster lean') and Roberta Flack's sexy "Feel Like Making Love". CD2 closes on oldies radio staple - Barry 'The Walrus of Love' White getting bedroom breathy with "Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up" – keeping his lady pleased in every way that he can.

Unfortunately, CD3 on this Extra compilation is weighed down with Pop Pap. The good stuff first – it opens promisingly enough with Elton doing his Beatles Sgt. Peppers cover of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" (Single Edit) which is followed by Sparks giving us "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth" – their Queen-like drama sounding amazingly clear. But then we get awful dollops of The Wombles and Bay City Rollers broken periodically by Leo Sayer and his Acoustic "One Man Band" anthem (Roger Daltrey of The Who covered it on his "Daltrey" solo debut album in 1973). The cod football anthem "Liverpool Lou" of Scaffold is followed by the cheesy golden oldies jaunt of The New Seekers. Neil Sedaka saves the moment with his Carpenters-melodious "Laughter In The Rain". Great discovery is the Prelude Acapella cover version of the Neil Young 1970 classic "After The Gold Rush" followed by "Scullery" from English teacher Clifford T. Ward (his other hit on Charisma "Wherewithal" is on the 1973 set). Schlock quickly returns with Terry Jacks and Lobo – The Stylistics triumphing with their big chorus brand. Diana Ross offers us the weedy Motown ballad "All Of My Life" but she is blown out of the water by the welcome pipes of Charlie Rich in his signature silver-fox moment - "Behind Closed Doors". Got help us all but I enjoyed re-hearing Andy Williams doing "Solitaire" – an easy listening ballad with half-a-heart. But the last run is just awful with Y Viva Espana making me reach for the barf bag. 

As I say – these Now Yearbook sets infuriate as much as they enliven – but with so many tracks, great audio and a reasonable price tag that will probably drop even further as time goes on – "Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" is recommended…

NOW YEARBOOK '74 UK Discography

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBXNOW74 - 0196588423925 (Barcode 196588423925) – released 3 May 2024 as a 4CD 82-Track 28-Page Special Edition Hardback Book

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBNOW74 - 0196588423826 (Barcode 196588423826) – released 3 May 2024 as a 4CD 82-Track Eight-Panel Card Sleeve Standard Edition

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI LPYBNOW74 - 01965884240141 (Barcode 1965884240141) – released 3 May 2024 as a 3LP GREEN VINYL Edition with 48-Tracks Truncated down from the 4CD edition.

"Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" on Sony Music/EMI CDYBENOW74 - 0196588903021 (Barcode 196588903021) – released 7 June 2024 as a 3CD 64-Track Companion Volume in a Tri-Gatefold Card Sleeve